Research Watchdog Group Calls for
Federal Probe of Southwest Foundation;
Reports Reveal Multiple Negligent Deaths at Future Home of Alamogordo Chimps

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Recently obtained federal reports revealing newly
discovered negligence at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SWFBR)
– including a primate death from lack of water – have prompted a national
research watchdog organization to call for a federal probe of the San Antonio
lab by the Department of Health and Human Services. The request has been filed
with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

According to SAEN, a non-profit research watchdog organization in Ohio,
government reports reveal a series of negligent deaths and regulatory questions
at SWFBR.

USDA reports, said SAEN, reveal primates have died at SWFBR from dehydration
and hypothermia. Others have simply been “found dead” – possibly without
veterinary care – after suffering from serious disease conditions which include
temperatures up to 105 degrees. Another incident previously disclosed in
government report involved a post-mortem dissection of a primate who was not yet
dead.

Additionally, it appears that SWFBR is playing fast and loose with federal
reporting requirements. Documents obtained from through the freedom of
information act reveal a 633 primate discrepancy in reporting to two different
regulatory agencies, suggesting fraud within the lab.

The continuing round of deaths at the San Antonio lab has also raised
questions about the ability of the USDA to enforce the Animal Welfare Act at
SWFBR. The streak of deaths has generated no regulatory response from the USDA,
and one death was not even mentioned in any inspection reports.

“Both the management of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and
the agencies responsible for enforcing federal laws are apparently asleep at the
wheel regarding this lab. How many monkeys have to be killed negligently before
meaningful action is taken?

"And why in the world would the National Institutes of Health plan to
transfer almost 200 chimpanzees to this lab? SWFBR clearly is incapable of
caring for the primates that they already have," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
Executive Director, SAEN.